Search for missing jet now includes 25 countries

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian authorities say the number of countries involved in the search for the missing jetliner has increased to 25.

Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Sunday that 11 more countries joined the search after it was determined that the missing Malaysia Airlines plane may have gone as far north as Central Asia, flying over several countries.

He also said authorities were hoping for more satellite data that would narrow the search, which also includes the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, police chief Inspector General Khalid Abu Bakar said he had requested countries with citizens on board the plane to investigate their background. He said some had already done this and found nothing suspicious, but he was waiting for others to respond.